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Big E shares fair grounds with "man's best friend"

By Angela Costanzi

Staff Intern



WEST SPRINGFIELD The Eastern States Exposition will be hosting the Southern New England Summer Classic Aug. 23 - 26.

"The Classic is four different clubs and four different shows coming together," Karen Desjardins a dog club member said.

All the dog shows are free admission, however some shows require an entry fee for participants. The shows will take place at the Better Living Center building.

"[There will be] at least 150 different breeds being shown," Desjardins said.

All dogs participating must be pure breeds, she added.

The dogs are assigned a group separated by breed. If they win in their group the dogs then go on to compete against other group winning dogs to see who will be the best in show.

To kick off the dog show season the Northwestern Connecticut Dog Club Show will take place on Aug. 23, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. The show is open to all breeds and all audiences are welcome.

The Elm City Kennel Club Dog Show follows on Aug. 24, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Elm City Kennel Show is also open to all breeds of dogs as long as they register to participate.

The Northwestern Dog Club was established over 60 years ago as well as the Elm City Kennel Club.

The Newton Kennel Dog Club Show will take place on Aug. 25, starting at 8 a.m. and concluding at 7 p.m.

The Newton Kennel Club is an establishment for pure bred dogs. This kennel is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of pure bred dogs and their training in obedience. The club also strives to create a healthy training environment for the animals.

Lastly, the Great Barrington Kennel Club Show will take place on Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The show will be open to all dog breeds but specializes in pure bred dogs. The entry fee for the Great Barrington Kennel Club Show is $27.

The Great Barrington Kennel Club has been around since 1941, promoting and encouraging the breeding and obedience training of pure bred dogs. The club has regular meetings and works to promote dog obedience. The club is also involved in a special project to visit local nursing homes through its Dog Therapy Program.

Desjardins also said to be sure not to miss the Great Dane specialty show Saturday evening.

All shows are open to the public and are free of admission. Tickets are on sale now online at www.thebige.com.